Liverpool finally have their new Philippe Coutinho with £100m transfer inevitable

Liverpool supporters have waited years to witness a player capable of recreating the magic Philippe Coutinho once brought to Anfield. Now, with the record-breaking signing of Florian Wirtz, many believe that long wait is finally over. The German international, who joined for a staggering £116 million, has immediately been thrust into the spotlight as the man tipped to restore the creative spark that left with Coutinho’s departure to Barcelona in 2018.

The excitement is undeniable, but so is the weight of expectation. Liverpool is a club where every touch is scrutinized, where legends are remembered forever, and where new arrivals are tasked with living up to the past while shaping the future. Wirtz is not merely another addition to Arne Slot’s squad—he is the statement signing, the one who represents a bold new era. The price tag alone makes his presence impossible to ignore, but beyond the numbers, his flair and imagination already carry shades of Coutinho’s brilliance.

Former Reds midfielder Danny Murphy has already given his thoughts on the new arrival, praising Wirtz’s talent but urging patience. According to Murphy, the Premier League is a completely different beast compared to the Bundesliga—more physical, more relentless, and more unpredictable. Even the most gifted players, he argues, need time to adapt. But he also made clear that Wirtz has the tools: the vision, the quick feet, and the composure to eventually thrive at Anfield. For Murphy, it’s only a matter of time before Wirtz becomes Liverpool’s new talisman.

The comparison with Coutinho is almost inevitable. When the Brazilian first arrived from Inter Milan in 2013, there were plenty of doubters. His frame was slight, his experience limited, and questions lingered over whether he could handle English football. Yet within months, Coutinho had captured the Kop’s imagination with his ability to score stunning goals from distance and his knack for unlocking defenses with a single pass. He went on to become the creative heartbeat of Liverpool’s attack before leaving for Barcelona in 2018—a departure that left a void never truly filled.

Liverpool, of course, found success in the years that followed. Under Jürgen Klopp, the Reds became a relentless machine, built on pressing, power, and devastating attacking transitions. Champions League and Premier League titles arrived, proving the team could thrive without Coutinho. Yet among fans, there was always the sense that something intangible was missing—the unpredictability, the artistry, the ability to conjure moments of magic out of nothing. That is precisely what many now expect Wirtz to deliver.

In his early appearances, including matches against Crystal Palace and Bournemouth, Wirtz has already offered flashes of what could come. His vision in midfield, clever movement between the lines, and quick decision-making have stood out, even if he hasn’t yet dominated games outright. Supporters are keenly aware that adaptation takes time, but every sharp pass and inventive touch serves as a reminder of the promise he carries.

Beyond individual brilliance, Wirtz’s arrival comes at a pivotal moment for Liverpool. With Arne Slot now steering the ship, the club is entering a new phase of identity. After years of Klopp’s high-intensity football, Slot is expected to blend control with creativity, requiring players who can dictate tempo and carve open defenses. In this sense, Wirtz isn’t just a luxury signing—he is the centerpiece of a broader tactical evolution.

Slot himself has spoken of the importance of balance between steel and artistry. While Liverpool boast warriors like Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah’s ruthless goal-scoring, they have needed a player who can knit everything together in midfield and provide that spark of imagination. Wirtz has been chosen to be that man, and though it is early days, both coach and supporters seem convinced he can carry the responsibility.

The psychological aspect of this signing cannot be underestimated either. Liverpool’s rivals, particularly Manchester City, have consistently added elite-level talent to stay ahead. For Liverpool to compete, a statement signing was essential, and breaking the bank for Wirtz sends a clear message of intent. It tells the footballing world that Liverpool are not content to stand still—they are aiming to return to the pinnacle, with a new creative force at the heart of their project.

Still, the road ahead will not be simple. Every misplaced pass, every quiet performance, will be dissected by pundits and critics eager to judge whether Wirtz was worth the £116m gamble. Yet Liverpool fans know from experience that patience can yield extraordinary rewards. Coutinho himself was not an overnight sensation; it took time for his magic to flourish. If Wirtz follows a similar path, Anfield could once again witness a player capable of turning matches with one breathtaking moment of inspiration.

For now, the whispers around Anfield have already grown louder: Liverpool finally have their new Coutinho. The difference this time? Florian Wirtz arrives not as an untested talent but as one of Europe’s most highly regarded playmakers, with the stage set for him to light up English football. The £100m-plus fee may feel daunting, but if Wirtz delivers on the promise, history will remember it as money well spent—and Liverpool’s new era of creativity may have already b